Charlie Blackmon leads off and starts in center on opening night

Posted By
Troy E. Renck
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March 31, 2014 @ 1:19 pm
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Game Day,Injuries,National League,Pitcher |
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Charlie Blackmon, left, of the Colorado Rockies scores a third inning run during a spring training game at Peoria Stadium on March 5, 2014 in Peoria, Arizona. (Christian Petersen, Getty Images)

MIAMI — Spring training stats matter when they matter. When it comes to center field, manager Walt Weiss hedged his bet all spring, saying that last season carried more weight and that March wasn’t a tryout camp.

So it is that Charlie Blackmon is starting and leading off on Monday night against Miami’s Jose Fernandez.

Blackmon batted .236 in the spring, but his strong second half a year ago never left Weiss’ memory as he constructed an odd roster. The Rockies are carrying six outfielders, giving Weiss plenty of options and a challenge to find playing time for reserves Corey Dickerson, Drew Stubbs and Brandon Barnes.

Owner Dick Monfort explained the decision in a letter sent to season-ticket holders on Sunday night.

“To have the most impact possible we are taking one utility infielder and three extra outfielders. This is a bit different, but our goal is to have a stronger offense and score more runs,” Monfort said.

The six-outfield experiment could be temporary with roster moves looming this weekend with the return of left-handed reliever Boone Logan.

Blackmon hit in the first group during Sunday’s practice so his start was no surprise. I wrote it in Monday’s paper[1]. Two things figured into the decision: The Rockies are facing a right-hander and the outfield at Marlins Park is enormous. It is 418 feet to center field and 392 and 386 feet in the gaps. Blackmon is a better defender than Dickerson, the other left-handed hitter in the platoon.

A decision is likely Monday on Tyler Chatwood’s status. He’s expected to land on the disabled list with a strained left hamstring. Jordan Lyles would replace him on Wednesday. … Former Rockies closer Rafael Betancourt joined the team for practice. He’s planning on working out the next four days. He’s cleared every hurdle in his comeback from elbow surgery. He hopes to eventually sign a minor league deal with the Rockies and pitch this season. “That is my goal,” Betancourt said. … Utility infielder Paul Janish was not claimed on waivers, leaving him expected to report to Triple-A. His next out date in his contract is July 1.